Katoomba is a natural town known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Katoomba, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Katoomba?
You should plan to spend around $150 (AU$226) per day on your vacation in Katoomba. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $31 (AU$46) on meals
- $51 (AU$76) on local transportation
- $158 (AU$238) on hotels
A one week trip to Katoomba for two people costs, on average, $2,095 (AU$3,164). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,048
AU$1,582
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,095
AU$3,164
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One Month
Per person
$4,490
AU$6,780
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,095
AU$3,164
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,190
AU$6,328
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One Month
For a couple
$8,980
AU$13,560
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Katoomba cost?
A one week trip to Katoomba usually costs around $1,048 (AU$1,582) for one person and $2,095 (AU$3,164) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Katoomba on average costs around $2,095 (AU$3,164) for one person and $4,190 (AU$6,328) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Katoomba will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Katoomba on average costs around $4,490 (AU$6,780) for one person and $8,980 (AU$13,560) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Katoomba expensive to visit?
Katoomba is a popular town that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Katoomba can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $109 (AU$164) per day, mid-range travelers spend $150 (AU$226) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $239 (AU$360) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Katoomba.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Katoomba is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Byron Bay or Wollongong.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Katoomba Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Katoomba?
The average Katoomba trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Katoomba travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Katoomba cost?
Katoomba on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$79
(AU$119)
|
$79
(AU$119)
|
$79
(AU$119)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$20
(AU$31)
|
$51
(AU$76)
|
$121
(AU$183)
|
Food 2
|
$13
(AU$19)
|
$31
(AU$46)
|
$66
(AU$100)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$22
(AU$33)
|
$54
(AU$82)
|
$128
(AU$193)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Katoomba with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $109 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Katoomba will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $150 per person, per day.
Katoomba boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant is an excellent family-friendly option, while Carrington Hotel is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Katoomba here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $239 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the town, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Bubbles in the Blue Mountains - Private Tour 1-7 People ex Sydney - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Katoomba
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Katoomba can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Katoomba in the off-season is $131, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $244. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Katoomba to range from $66 to $565. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Katoomba for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $158 (AU$238). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $79 (AU$119) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Katoomba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Katoomba include:
- Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant starting at $262
- Sky Rider Motor Inn starting at $76
- Carrington Hotel starting at $128
Katoomba's good public transit system can help keep accommodation costs low by staying farther out, but the extra transportation expenses and inconvenience may not be worth it if you're short on time.
In a family-friendly place like Katoomba, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Katoomba is a very popular tourist spot, but it's also smaller than many places, so hotels may fill up early. If you're visiting during the peak season (summer), make sure you book reservations well in advance.
Transportation Budget in Katoomba
With a good public transit network in Katoomba, many of the main sights are easy to reach. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car. Public transit is a great way to save some cash and get around, but only if it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are available, too.
If you stick to certain areas, Katoomba is fairly walkable, making it convenient to see the sights. The town itself is relatively walkable.
Public Transit: (good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $51 (AU$76) per person, per day, on local transportation in Katoomba. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Katoomba is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$51
AU$76
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Katoomba? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Katoomba will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Katoomba
In Katoomba, the food is tasty, but it's usually not the main hightlight for travelers. You'll uncover some hidden treasures around the town. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Katoomba can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Katoomba is $31 (AU$46) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$31
AU$46
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Katoomba is around $31 (AU$46) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $66. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Katoomba are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $5 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
You will have no trouble finding food in the Blue Mountains. With a wide selection of restaurants to choose from, one can expect a high standard of dining. Many cafes and restaurants are family-run, offering opportunities to meet the locals, while a number of restaurants and bars can also be found within the hotels that reside in and around the mountains. Sit back and enjoy an Australian wine and delicious native food while taking in the mountain views, or simply kick back with pizza for a cozy night inside amidst the chill of mountain air. Generally, there is a wide variety, and the best food options will be found in the towns of Katoomba, Springwood, and Leura.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoy the scenery while saving money by planning a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a lovely park or picturesque spot for your meal.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Katoomba
It's understandable that travelers choose Katoomba, as it is famous for hiking, family-friendly activities, romance, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Katoomba typically cost an average of $54 (AU$82) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$54
AU$82
The most popular attraction lying within the mountains is Echo Point at Katoomba. A major lookout point, it offers spectacular views of Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters - an iconic rock formation of the Blue Mountains. There is also an information center here with displays about the environment of the area, as well as maps and souvenirs available for sale. Other popular lookouts include Govett's Leap with incredible views over the Grose Valley, and Gordon Falls which provides views of the large waterfall and surrounding forest. For a more leisurely way of sightseeing, Cliff Drive around Katoomba and Leura has many pull-offs for admiring the views.
The Blue Mountains are a popular destination for rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and a number of other adventure sports. Popular climbing destinations include the Centennial Glen cliffs near Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Mount Piddington, and Mount Boyce, while mountain biking takes place on a number of trails just off of the Great Western Highway, some including Narrow Neck and Anderson's Fire Trail.
Many trails are also popular for hiking in the Blue Mountains, in addition to a number of other nature trails. Canyoning, too, is a fun activity for those seeking a different kind of adventure with a new perspective of the mountains from below.
Other worthwhile ventures include The Giant Stairway walking track which runs down a cliff and past the Three Sisters into the valley, as well as the Jenolan Caves. The Katoomba Scenic Railway is also popular as is the Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway, which all over transportation up and down the mountain. The Zig Zag Railway, a historic steam-powered railway near Lithgow is another fun attraction.
Plenty of activities here are also family-friendly. The Toy and Railway museum is just one option (in addition to all of the hiking options mentioned earlier). For more ideas, check out this guide to a family-friendly weekend trip to the Blue Mountains.
The Edge Cinema in Katoomba also offers IMAX movies, one of which is a documentary about the Blue Mountains which shows fairly regularly.
Hiking:
Don't miss out on the wonderful hiking opportunities around Katoomba. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Katoomba. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike for $251 details
- Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour for $194 details
- Small-Group Full-Day Rock Climbing Adventure from Katoomba for $167 details
Traveling in Katoomba
The Blue Mountains, Australia
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
Neighborhoods & Around
Katoomba is the largest and most visited town of the Blue Mountains with access to Echo Point, Scenic World (railway and skyway), and plenty of shopping. It is a very laidback town with an artsy hippie population and examples of art deco architecture and shop fronts along the main street of the town. Leura, right next to Katoomba has quaint craft shops and boutique shopping, Wentworth Falls is mainly bush with some views and Bed & Breakfasts, Blackheath is a scenic mountain town surrounded by parks and scenic walks, and Mount Victoria is the highest point of the mountains. In the lower mountains, the most visited towns include Springwood and Glenbrook.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.